Mysuru, Sept. 7 (SBD&DM)- Ahead of the 15-day caste census to be conducted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes from Sept. 22 to Oct. 7, house listing work has begun across the State to ensure that no household is left out of the survey.
The house listing is being carried out with the cooperation of all five Electricity Supply Corporations (ESCOMs) — CESCOM, BESCOM, HESCOM, GESCOM and MESCOM. The caste census will cover a population of 7 crore and aims to collect data on caste, financial status and land ownership.
This fresh survey replaces the earlier one conducted in 2015, whose report, prepared by the Commission headed by H. Kantharaj, was submitted to the Government only in 2024.
The State Government has now decided to set aside the previous report and carry out a Second Socio-economic and Educational Survey, popularly known as the caste census.
The Commission has been directed to submit its final report with recommendations by end of October. It has also been asked to study a similar survey carried out by the Telangana Government before finalising its report.
Role of ESCOMs in house listing
With ESCOMs assigned the task of house listing, CESC Mysuru Circle Superintendent Engineer Sunil has appealed to the public to cooperate with CESC staff when they visit homes. Explaining the process, he said that staff members would visit every house and paste stickers on meter panels or doors, displaying a Unique Household Identification (UHID) number.
Sunil urged residents not to remove stickers and clarified that drive is only to ensure smooth enumeration. “We request the public not to be confused about this initiative and to extend their cooperation,” he said.
University awareness campaigns
Meanwhile, the Backward Classes Welfare Department has issued a circular to all University Vice-Chancellors in Karnataka, directing them to create awareness campaigns about the upcoming survey by engaging degree students.
The circular, issued under the slogan ‘Namma Sameekshe – Namma Javabdaari’ (Our Survey – Our Responsibility), stated that enumerators will use a 60-point questionnaire to collect data.
The survey will be based on a ration card or an Aadhaar number, so residents must keep ready documents such as a ration card, an Aadhaar card or number, voter ID, UID card, and disability certificate (for persons with disabilities).
e-KYC verification and OTP system
As part of the verification process, enumerators will ensure Aadhaar cards are linked to mobile numbers since an OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to mobile phones for e-KYC verification.
If residents are not present during the survey visit, they or their family members will need to share the OTP over the phone with the enumerator to complete the process.
It is mandatory for every individual above six years of age to have an Aadhaar card. Those without one can visit the nearest Aadhaar centre, obtain a registration number, and still participate in the survey.
Students interested in actively participating in the survey can register by sending a ‘Hi’ message on WhatsApp to 63617 89579.
The questionnaire will cover details about profession, business, occupation, employment, education, skill training requirements, family income, movable and immovable assets, religion, caste, sub-caste, and family vocation. The circular urged universities to prepare students to educate the public so that residents are ready with accurate information when the survey begins.
With this groundwork underway, the caste census is set to become a massive Statewide exercise, shaping future policies on backward class welfare and resource allocation.
For more details, contact the Commission’s
Helpline No. 80507 70004
or log on to the Commission’s website
https://kscbc.karnataka.gov.in
This post was published on September 7, 2025 6:34 pm